Armani, Gucci Face Labor Scandals & Zendaya x On Unveil New Sneaker in This Week's Top Fashion News

Summary

• The Armani Group has been fined $4 million for misleading sustainability claims and illegal labor practices, while 1,000 unionized Gucci employees are threatening to strike over unpaid welfare incentives. In more optimistic news, Ralph Lauren saw a 30% rise in net income for Q1 2025, leading the company to raise its fiscal year outlook despite global economic uncertainty.
• Zendaya has co-created a new footwear model called the Cloudzone Moon with Swiss brand On, while Marc Jacobs released the new ‘72 Spring Sneaker, a Y2k-inspired tech runner.
• Icelandic brand 66°NORTH celebrated its upcoming 100th anniversary with an immersive exhibition at Copenhagen Fashion Week, showcasing its history, SS26 collection, and century-old repair initiative.

The Luxury Labor Crackdown: Armani Fined $4 Million USD For Greenwashing

An Italian regulator has hit the Armani Group with a $4 million USD fine for making misleading ethical and social responsibility claims. This fine comes after a year-long court administration for unethical practices, where it was found that the company outsourced leather goods production to third parties that violated health and safety regulations and employed illegal workers. Armani has denied the claims and intends to appeal the decision. This action is part of an ongoing regulatory effort in Italy to hold luxury brands accountable for labor and manufacturing practices.

Gucci In “State of Unrest” As 1000 Employees Threaten to Strike

Unionized Gucci employees in Italy, represented by trade unions Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl, and Uiltucs, have declared a “state of unrest” and are threatening to strike. Approximately 1,000 retail and logistics workers are involved, and the dispute stems from their parent company, Kering, failing to pay welfare bonuses that were promised for the 2022-2024 period. The scandal comes at a critical time for Gucci, already experiencing a steep drop in sales, and it adds to a growing list of similar labor scandals affecting other major luxury brands in the industry.

Zendaya Debuts Her First Co-Created Silhouette With On

Zendaya and Swiss brand On have collaborated on a new release and campaign called “Be Every You,” which features a new footwear model, the Cloudzone Moon. Though the partners have united for campaigns before, the new sneaker marks Zendaya’s first time co-creating a silhouette with the brand. The release also includes a capsule of active apparel designed by Zendaya and celebrity stylist Law Roach, rooted in their years-long creative journey as collaborators. The campaign film, directed by Bardia Zeinali, features Zendaya styled by Law Roach and explores the idea of embracing the various facets of identity. The Cloudzone Moon sneakers are currently available for purchase at On’s webstore and physical stores worldwide.

Ralph Lauren Sees 30% Net Increase in Q1 2025

Ralph Lauren Corp reported a 30% rise in net income for Q1 2025, which led the company to raise its fiscal year outlook. This positive performance, which beat analysts’ expectations, was attributed to strong sales growth in North America (12%), Europe (10%), and Asia (18%). The company’s shares increased by over 3% following the news, adding to the 90% growth seen in the last year. The numbers are attributed to Ralph Lauren’s strategic price increases, employed to mitigate the impact of tariff uncertainties and lower consumer spending. Despite the strong results, the company maintains a tone of cautious optimism due to new duties and the potential for an inflationary environment.

Marc Jacobs Drops All-New 72 Spring Sneaker

Marc Jacobs has released the new ‘72 Spring Sneaker, a Y2k-inspired tech runner that marks a significant shift from the brand’s typically dramatic footwear. The shoe, designed in collaboration with product development studio Areté, features a slim silhouette with a busy upper of mesh and technical overlays, available in eye-catching colorways, expressive materials, as well as classic black and white. Priced at $225 USD, the sneaker is available on the brand’s webstore and at select retailers. The brand’s new silhouette arrives as rumors spread that LVMH is considering selling off the label.

66°NORTH Celebrates Centennial at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26

The Icelandic performance wear brand, 66°NORTH, celebrated its upcoming 100th anniversary at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26 with an immersive exhibition titled “100 Years of Progress. Still Made for Life.” The event showcased the brand’s history, its new SS26 collection, and its dedication to durability through features like a wind machine and GORE-TEX® weather simulator. The exhibition also highlighted the brand’s 100-year-old repair initiative with a live repair station and an atelier inspired by its factories. In a statement about the showcase, CEO Helgi Óskarsson emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and creating long-lasting garments.